I am currently employed at a prestigious law firm as a legal assistant in the banking team in Bristol. I have worked as a paralegal/legal assistant for 5 years. I have independently studied for the CiLex route qualification to become a Chartered Legal Executive and then a solicitor as I have also completed my Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practise Course whilst in full time employment. I was educated at state school and read English with French in London and graduated with an upper second class honours degree. I came to law late as after graduating I travelled around South Africa and then Australia (where I taught English) before joining the Royal Navy to become an aircraft engineer. I had friends who were lawyers and wanted to become a lawyer for many years and then decided to convert my first degree to law via the GDL whilst in the Royal Navy as I wanted a fresh challenge. I applied to many local law firms for some work experience without pay and after some persistence I worked at a local law firm for half a day or one day a week to gain vital legal experience. Then when I left the Royal Navy I had some legal experience, as well as my invaluable military experience, and was offered a position with a large national firm based in Bristol. Studying whilst in full time employment was not easy and having a small child at the same time made this difficult but I am proud of what I have achieved now that everything is completed.

I would love to help advise any other career changers, whether military or not, and am more than happy to assist anyone wishing to pursue a career in law. Coming to law as an older candidate and with a very different background shows that diverse candidates can offer a great deal to law firms as employers and I am more than happy to advise on any aspect.